We head to CityMX to test out this sub $9000 motocrosser from China that is seemingly packed with the goods and has the numbers to match. So let's see what Dan reckons... Photos: Tom Fossati

The ZXMOTO MX250 means business. A lightweight design, a high revving 250cc four-stroke engine and KYB fully adjustable suspension. With a dry weight of just 102kg and a price tag of $8,990RRP, the MX250 offers an affordable option for riders looking for an MX bike.

Twin-spar frame, aluminium sub-frame, aluminium swingarm, KYB suspension, sub $9k price.

With a short drive out to the western suburbs of Melbourne. I arrived at CityMx, my local track where I work and prepare the track for the track open days. I arrived shortly before the ZXMOTO team which gave me the opportunity to prep the track to the conditions that I enjoy riding.



Whilst I was finishing up the track prep the ZXMOTO team arrived and set up their tent and banners, after finishing the track I got the chance to look at the all new MX250. With a brief introduction to the ZXMOTO brand and their new MX250 motocross bike it was time to put my helmet on and throw my leg over the MX250.

Dan flying high at CityMX on the 2026 ZXMOTO MX250. He reckons the bike is great for the price point.

Engine-wise the ZXMOTO MX250 is powered by a 249.9cc single-cylinder, DOHC four valve, four-stroke engine producing 30kW at 12,500rpm. The engine features Bosch EFI dual injectors and a 13.9:1 compression ratio, delivering a smooth power and responsive throttle control.



Inside, ZXMOTO has incorporated DLC coated finger follower rocker arms, titanium valves and elliptical valve springs to reduce friction and weight while supporting sustained high rpm performance. An offset cylinder design helps reduce piston side thrust, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary power loss.

Braking is handled by a 260mm floating front disc with a twin piston caliper, while the rear uses a 240mm disc with a single piston floating caliper.

The chassis is another major focus, with the MX250 weighing just 102kg dry. Its cradle frame features twin-beam construction and is paired with an aluminium sub-frame, an aluminium alloy swingarm and one piece aluminium alloy handlebar. A 22mm triple-clamp offset and 28º rake angle are designed to provide sharp turn in without sacrificing stability at speed.


Read our other motocrosser reviews here…


The MX250 is fitted with front and rear KYB suspension, with adjustable compression and rebound damping at both ends and preload adjustment on the rear. Development included 240 hours of continuous testing to refine the performance. Braking is handled by a 260mm floating front disc with a twin piston caliper, while the rear uses a 240mm disc with a single piston floating caliper.



The MX250 also features a handlebar control module with selectable engine maps, a quick-shifter and a manual lap timer capable of recording up to nine lap times, giving riders useful features to adjust their ride and monitor their progression.

The MX250 has selectable engine maps, a quick-shifter and a manual lap timer capable of recording up to nine laps.

Getting on the ZXMOTO MX250, I was immediately impressed by the smooth yet punchy power delivery. The dual injection system helps keep the engine responsive without making the power difficult to manage. There is plenty of torque to drive out of corners, while the predictable throttle response makes it easier to maintain control through the technical sections of the track.



The six speed gearbox feels tight yet smooth, allowing effortless gear changes across the different terrains you would expect on an mx track. Paired with the quick-shifter, changing gears becomes even easier, helping maintain momentum without interrupting the flow of the ride.

“The front-end geometry helps deliver sharp turn in through corners while maintaining the stability needed to carry speed across the track.”

The KYB suspension was another highlight. The adjustable front and rear suspension gives the MX250 a plush, controlled feel around the track, soaking up jumps and rhythm sections with ease, allowing you to remain composed on the rougher sections of the motocross track, which inspires confidence when pushing harder. I was impressed.


At $8,990rrp, the ZXMOTO MX250 stands out as an affordable alternative in the 250cc motocross class…


The lightweight chassis compliments the suspension well, making the MX250 feel responsive when changing direction. The front-end geometry helps deliver sharp turn in through corners while maintaining the stability needed to carry speed across the track.

“The adjustable front and rear suspension gives the MX250 a plush, controlled feel around the track, soaking up jumps and rhythm sections with ease”…

The brakes also performed well, with a strong front brake allowing me to slow the MX250 confidently before entering corners. The rear brake provides a controlled feel, making it easier to manage speed without simply locking the rear wheel and skidding into the turn.



The handlebar mounted control module is simple to use, allowing quick changes between engine maps. The full power map gives you access to the MX250’s stronger performance, while the economy map provides a more mellow power delivery that would suit a beginner or first time rider looking for a more manageable introduction to motocross.

Another handy addition is the manual lap timer. Easy to operate, it allows you to record up to nine lap times with a simple flick, making it a useful feature when comparing lap times with friends or tracking your progress throughout a riding session.



Overall, I was particularly impressed by the power delivery, smooth gearbox and suspension performance over jumps and rhythm sections. The brakes provide good control, while the selectable maps, quick shifter and lap timer add useful features to the overall package.

At $8,990RRP, the ZXMOTO MX250 stands out as an affordable alternative in the 250cc motocross class. With its combination of lightweight handling, predictable power and quality suspension, it is a bike worth considering for riders looking for performance without the premium price tag. We hope to spend longer with the bike in the future for a more in-depth look at reliability and wear and tear.

Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, DOHC, four-valve, 79 x 51mm bore x stroke, 249cc engine.

 

 

ZXMOTO MX250 Specifications

ZXMOTO.com.au

Price: $8,990 RRP
Warranty: TBC
Claimed power: 30kW[40hp]@12,500rpm
Claimed torque: 27Nm@9,500rpm
Dry weight: 102kg
Fuel capacity: 6.5L


Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, DOHC, four-valve, 79 x 51mm bore x stroke, 249cc, 13.9:1 compression ratio, Bosch EFI, dual injectors, titanium valves Gearbox: Five-speed, return Clutch: Hydraulic wet multi-plate, slipper clutch


Chassis: Twin-spar frame, aluminium sub-frame, aluminium swingarm
Rake: 28° Trail: 123mm
Suspension: KYB inverted front forks, compression and rebound adjustable, KYB rear shock with external reservoir, compression, rebound and preload adjustable
Brakes: 260mm front disc, twin-piston caliper, 240mm rear disc
Wheels & Tyres: 21-inch front, 19-inch rear, 80/100-21, 100/90-19 CST tyres


Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1483mm
Seat height: 960mm


Instruments & Electronics: Launch Control, two power modes (ECO and Sport), upshift quickshifter, lap-time recording


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